julieb
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by julieb on Jan 26, 2015 14:34:08 GMT
Thinking of heading to San Francisco at the end of May. My ds is going to go to San Diego to visit some friends and then meet us in San Francisco. We were thinking of spending 3-4 days in San Francisco and then head to the Redwoods and possible down to Sequoia National Park.
Please share your experiences if you have visited the parks and San Francisco.
Thanks!
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Belle
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,309
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Post by Belle on Jan 26, 2015 15:13:43 GMT
Love, love love San Francisco!!
Very easy to get around using public transportation! You won't need a car in the city. Plan at least a day for Golden Gate Park as there is a TON of things to do and really a day will just be enough time to scratch the surface!
If you like Italian food, North Beach is a must. Tons of fabulous Italian restaurants, bakeries and coffee places.
It was really fun to walk thru Chinatown. We didn't eat there. But did hit up the fortune cookie "factory".
Boudin Bakery has yummy sourdough (have to try that!) and good soups and salads too!
Loved the Ferry building and especially Blue Bottle coffee.
I wish we had time to take a ferry over to Sausalito, I think that would have been really fun.
I have no experience with the Redwoods.
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Post by ntsf on Jan 26, 2015 15:28:45 GMT
Redwood national park is about 4 hours north of san francisco on highway 1. it is beautiful..and the coast beaches are wonderful too. but you can see redwoods within 1 hour of san francisco. check out big basin state park..about 1 hour south of us. muir woods is classic...about 30 minutes early early in the morning..but the traffic is much worse now that a road nearby washed out. I would get there at 8 am. there are whole books on what to see in SF...museum mechanique, the filbert steps, coit tower, the outer sunset. inner richmond on clement street...there are wonderful places outside the usual tourist sites. sequoia is a ways away. I live right in the city...so if you have more questions, let me know....ex alcatraz park ranger. btw, if you want to go to alcatraz, book 3 months early. twilight or early morning are great times to go.
no matter what month you come, bring long pants and jackets and hats to wear. the temp is cold (50 degrees with wind) year round. it is warm outside the city. the redwoods are also often cool and in fog.
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eastcoastpea
Prolific Pea
Posts: 9,252
Jun 27, 2014 13:05:28 GMT
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Post by eastcoastpea on Jan 26, 2015 15:57:35 GMT
San Francisco and the Muir Woods were great when I went many years ago. You'll have a great time.
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Post by lucyg on Jan 26, 2015 16:42:03 GMT
If you do choose to get a car and drive up the coast, think about staying at the Benbow Inn in Garberville. It's a historic hotel with indoor and outdoor activities right by the redwoods, maybe in the middle of the redwoods.  |
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Post by cmpeter on Jan 26, 2015 17:17:03 GMT
Love the Benbow Inn. I grew up near there and it was always the place to go for fancy dinners. They used to dam up the river there to make Benbow Lake and my favorite summer job was working at the boat dock.
Benbow is also 4 hours north of SF. Beautiful area though. Lots of old growth redwoods and state parks.
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Post by cmpeter on Jan 26, 2015 17:18:21 GMT
ETA. Benbow Inn is off of hey 101, not 1. So it's not a coastal drive to get there.
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Post by lucyg on Jan 26, 2015 19:06:19 GMT
Yes, sorry, it's on 101 just as you get to the redwoods.
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jediannie
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,888
Jun 30, 2014 3:19:06 GMT
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Post by jediannie on Jan 26, 2015 19:58:02 GMT
Love, love love San Francisco!! Very easy to get around using public transportation! You won't need a car in the city. Plan at least a day for Golden Gate Park as there is a TON of things to do and really a day will just be enough time to scratch the surface! If you like Italian food, North Beach is a must. Tons of fabulous Italian restaurants, bakeries and coffee places. It was really fun to walk thru Chinatown. We didn't eat there. But did hit up the fortune cookie "factory". Boudin Bakery has yummy sourdough (have to try that!) and good soups and salads too! Loved the Ferry building and especially Blue Bottle coffee. I wish we had time to take a ferry over to Sausalito, I think that would have been really fun. I have no experience with the Redwoods. I wouldn't say it's "very easy to get around using public transportation". It's a bit easier than other cities, but not very easy. As someone who works in SF a few days a month, it's not that easy to get around, especially if you want to get from downtown to Golden Gate park (MUNI is frustrating & smelly). BART is okay & the cable cars are always busy & you have to wait in line a LOT to go anywhere. Blue Bottle Coffee is so good, definitely check it out if you have time (and love coffee). There are so many good restaurants in SF, if you like specific cuisines, let me know and I can suggest a few. Sequoia is over a 4 hour drive from SF, going to the Redwoods in Marin/Sonoma county would be faster for sure. |
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Deleted
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Jun 15, 2024 8:55:13 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2015 22:08:43 GMT
Have you been to Yosemite? If I only could visit one place in California, that would be my choice. I would love to go back. We have been to Redwoods and Sequoia. They are beautiful, but no comparison to Yosemite.
I also loved the drive on 101 down the coast from Yosemite. I would love to do those 2 things again.
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Post by hop2 on Jan 26, 2015 22:56:56 GMT
San Francisco and the Muir Woods were great when I went many years ago. You'll have a great time. Muir Woods is one if my most favorite places on earth. Beautiful, so peaceful. Can not describe the feeling you get when there. |
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Post by cmpeter on Jan 26, 2015 23:08:04 GMT
Hwy 101 only follows the coast in the very northern part of the state (Eureka and north) and only for a short while. It's Hwy 1 that follows the coast. Beautiful but single lane, twisty and long.
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julieb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,845
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Post by julieb on Jan 27, 2015 2:36:23 GMT
Have you been to Yosemite? If I only could visit one place in California, that would be my choice. I would love to go back. We have been to Redwoods and Sequoia. They are beautiful, but no comparison to Yosemite. I also loved the drive on 101 down the coast from Yosemite. I would love to do those 2 things again.
I'm confused. I looked at a map and Yosemite is not near the coast. Also, 101 is not on the coast either.
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Post by ntsf on Jan 27, 2015 4:18:21 GMT
the 101 is inland from eureka south. the 1 is on the coast. we all can mix them up.. yosemite is free of snow now..so will be good in may..
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Post by lindywholoveskids on Jan 27, 2015 5:19:08 GMT
It can still snow in Yosemite. We go there every year in early May ( optimal for the waterfalls!) and we have been snowed on. No predicting CA weather this year though!
If you want to stay in the Yosemite National Park I suggest you call and see what they have for your proposed days in May. There are redwoods in the park ( Mariposa Grove)
Yes Yosemite is inland and not too close to 101 but you can get there .
If you have limited time, I would choose whether you want to go driving through the Redwood National park and decide where you want to stay. Yep the Benbow Inn was good when we were there but I have read that it's up for sale. Check it out on Yelp or another visitor site.
If you want ideas for the San Francisco sites and fun and delicious places to eat, I'd also be happy to share what we love.
Another idea for a coastal place to stay is the wonderful Mendocino - we also go there once a year in August and its charming / has 3 or 4 amazing restaurants as well as art galleries etc.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Jun 15, 2024 8:55:14 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 27, 2015 6:55:00 GMT
Here comes my 2 cents. I would like to suggest a day trip north of San Franciso.
You would take Highway 101 across the Golden Gate Bridge. Keep going north until you come to the 116 highway exit in Cotati about 7 miles north of Petaluma. Head west to Sebastopol. Follow 116 through Sebastopol and continue on 116 to Guerneville.
Just outside of Guerneville is the Armstrong Redwood State Park. I've been there and it's really pretty and has a lot of old redwoods.
Once you leave the park make you way back to 116 and continue West. Next town of some note is Duncan Mills. It is tiny but has some great little shops. If you like tea it has a great tea shop where you can buy all kinds of tea and tea pots. Also right by the tea shop is a cafe that has good food if you are looking for a snack.
Continue on 116 until you get to the ocean which is also the mouth of the Russian River. When you get to the ocean you are then on Highway 1. Once there you can go north and visit Jenner By The Sea. A little further north is Fort Ross. It's a state park that is a Russian Fort.
Or you can go south along the coast toward the town of Bodega Bay. Some nice restaurants by the bay. I also think the coast line along Bodega Bay is really pretty.
Just south of Bodega Bay is a road called Valley Ford (I think) and it takes you back to highway 101 at Petaluma. Head south on 101 and it will take you back across the Golden Gate Bridge to San Francisco.
Or you can continue on 1 along the coast to San Francisco. I wouldn't take 1 to San Francisco because it takes a really long time.
Sebastopol is a cute little town and there are some wineries in the area between Sebastopol and Duncan Mills. The most famous is Korbel and it has a nice rose garden.
If you think this is something you might be interested in let me know so I can double check the name of the road you would take to get back to 101.
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Deleted
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Jun 15, 2024 8:55:14 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Jan 27, 2015 7:01:27 GMT
We did a trip of the Southwest. California was on the way home. We stopped just about everywhere. Gotta say we loved SF. Had a great time. Public transportation was easy to take and while we did have to wait for it for a while, it was so worth it. Loved it.
We saw the Golden Gate Bridge, the town right near there, Redwood Forest, and north. California was a lot of fun. I thoroughly enjoyed it. DS no. He doesn't like anything that doesn't involve looking at high end cars. It was a great trip, though. Would do it again for sure!
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Post by SAHM wannabe on Jan 27, 2015 8:05:54 GMT
Have you been to Yosemite? If I only could visit one place in California, that would be my choice. I would love to go back. We have been to Redwoods and Sequoia. They are beautiful, but no comparison to Yosemite. I also loved the drive on 101 down the coast from Yosemite. I would love to do those 2 things again. I visited both Yosemite and Redwoods this past summer and was thoroughly "wowed" by the Redwoods. I was actually underwhelmed by Yosemite. Hiking through the Redwoods was peaceful and mesmerizing. I visited the parks after spending six days in San Francisco. Loved it! I had a car and would recommend one. There is so much to see and do. Don't waste your time trying to figure out stops, routes, time tables of public transportation. Have fun when you go!! |
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Post by Sassenach on Jan 27, 2015 8:20:18 GMT
We were in San Francisco last February. We rented a car for the day and drove to Muir Woods. I had always wanted to see the Redwoods and they did not disappoint. It's very beautiful and easy to walk through.
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julieb
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,845
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Post by julieb on Jan 27, 2015 15:24:53 GMT
Have you been to Yosemite? If I only could visit one place in California, that would be my choice. I would love to go back. We have been to Redwoods and Sequoia. They are beautiful, but no comparison to Yosemite. I also loved the drive on 101 down the coast from Yosemite. I would love to do those 2 things again. I visited both Yosemite and Redwoods this past summer and was thoroughly "wowed" by the Redwoods. I was actually underwhelmed by Yosemite. Hiking through the Redwoods was peaceful and mesmerizing. I visited the parks after spending six days in San Francisco. Loved it! I had a car and would recommend one. There is so much to see and do. Don't waste your time trying to figure out stops, routes, time tables of public transportation. Have fun when you go!!
Thanks! Were you at the Redwood National Forest? It is a 10 hours drive from Redwood National Forest to Yosemite. That alone makes me think we should see the redwoods at Muir Woods.
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Post by ntsf on Jan 27, 2015 15:36:20 GMT
it is Redwood National Park..with several state parks as part of it. go to big basin to see the Redwoods. or muir woods at 8 am. the parking is terrible and the roads are narrow and winding. if using public transport in SF, check 511.org for planning a trip. there is a good cafe at muir woods if you get there early.
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scorpeao
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,521
Location: NorCal USA
Jun 25, 2014 21:04:54 GMT
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Post by scorpeao on Jan 27, 2015 15:38:41 GMT
Here comes my 2 cents. I would like to suggest a day trip north of San Franciso. You would take Highway 101 across the Golden Gate Bridge. Keep going north until you come to the 116 highway exit in Cotati about 7 miles north of Petaluma. Head west to Sebastopol. Follow 116 through Sebastopol and continue on 116 to Guerneville. Just outside of Guerneville is the Armstrong Redwood State Park. I've been there and it's really pretty and has a lot of old redwoods. Once you leave the park make you way back to 116 and continue West. Next town of some note is Duncan Mills. It is tiny but has some great little shops. If you like tea it has a great tea shop where you can buy all kinds of tea and tea pots. Also right by the tea shop is a cafe that has good food if you are looking for a snack. Continue on 116 until you get to the ocean which is also the mouth of the Russian River. When you get to the ocean you are then on Highway 1. Once there you can go north and visit Jenner By The Sea. A little further north is Fort Ross. It's a state park that is a Russian Fort. Or you can go south along the coast toward the town of Bodega Bay. Some nice restaurants by the bay. I also think the coast line along Bodega Bay is really pretty. Just south of Bodega Bay is a road called Valley Ford (I think) and it takes you back to highway 101 at Petaluma. Head south on 101 and it will take you back across the Golden Gate Bridge to San Francisco. Or you can continue on 1 along the coast to San Francisco. I wouldn't take 1 to San Francisco because it takes a really long time. Sebastopol is a cute little town and there are some wineries in the area between Sebastopol and Duncan Mills. The most famous is Korbel and it has a nice rose garden. If you think this is something you might be interested in let me know so I can double check the name of the road you would take to get back to 101. Other than a brief stint in the Army, I've lived here my whole life. I think I have to do this trip! |
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scorpeao
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,521
Location: NorCal USA
Jun 25, 2014 21:04:54 GMT
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Post by scorpeao on Jan 27, 2015 15:41:39 GMT
Don't get a car in San Francisco. Parking over night is going to cost you a small fortune. You don't need a car there. I was there two weeks ago and we used Uber to get around. It was WAY cheaper than a cab and also WAY faster. We "called" for an Uber car (our first time trying it) and we were still arguing over how to use the app, and if we did it right, when the car pulled up. It's all done through an app. We had friends that used a taxi and they had to wait a long time and their fares were double what ours were.
If you are going to the Redwoods you will need a car.
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Post by SAHM wannabe on Jan 28, 2015 6:38:26 GMT
I visited both Yosemite and Redwoods this past summer and was thoroughly "wowed" by the Redwoods. I was actually underwhelmed by Yosemite. Hiking through the Redwoods was peaceful and mesmerizing. I visited the parks after spending six days in San Francisco. Loved it! I had a car and would recommend one. There is so much to see and do. Don't waste your time trying to figure out stops, routes, time tables of public transportation. Have fun when you go!!
Thanks! Were you at the Redwood National Forest? It is a 10 hours drive from Redwood National Forest to Yosemite. That alone makes me think we should see the redwoods at Muir Woods.
It was about 3 hours north of San Francisco to get to Redwood National Forest. We were near the Oregon border in Crescent City.
I didn't see any part of Muir Woods, but I know it's a quick trip from San Francisco with some spectacular scenery. I don't think you will be disappointed with whatever you choose.
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Post by mirabelleswalker on Jan 28, 2015 6:51:17 GMT
Thanks! Were you at the Redwood National Forest? It is a 10 hours drive from Redwood National Forest to Yosemite. That alone makes me think we should see the redwoods at Muir Woods.
It was about 3 hours north of San Francisco to get to Redwood National Forest. We were near the Oregon border in Crescent City.
I didn't see any part of Muir Woods, but I know it's a quick trip from San Francisco with some spectacular scenery. I don't think you will be disappointed with whatever you choose.
From San Francisco to Redwood National Park is about 6 hours. |
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Post by SAHM wannabe on Jan 29, 2015 3:10:05 GMT
It was about 3 hours north of San Francisco to get to Redwood National Forest. We were near the Oregon border in Crescent City.
I didn't see any part of Muir Woods, but I know it's a quick trip from San Francisco with some spectacular scenery. I don't think you will be disappointed with whatever you choose.
From San Francisco to Redwood National Park is about 6 hours. Thanks for the correction! I was going from memory which apparently was way off!
Despite the long journey, it was definitely worth the extra hours on the road.
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Post by lindywholoveskids on Jan 29, 2015 4:14:56 GMT
I think that you don't have to go the whole length of the state to go to the Redwoods National Park.
Muir Woods is nice, but I think there might be some road construction there. Check out CALTRANS .
I think that the RefuaPea that was underwhelmed in Yosemite in summer went at the wrong time. The falls are part of the glorious Splendor of the park, and they are snow runoff water mainly. Every year when we go in early May the falls are jaw- droppingly wonderful.
We are in a severe drought in CA so we will see how the falls are this May 10th.
Always get a webcam view during the day on the Yosemite.org website. Beautiful!
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linda~lou
Pearl Clutcher
Keep calm and eat crumpets
Posts: 2,744
Location: Motown but my heart is in San Francisco
Jun 25, 2014 21:57:08 GMT
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Post by linda~lou on Jan 29, 2015 4:24:28 GMT
I just have to say, my son just got a new job in San Francisco. He is advertising manager for San Jose Mercury News, Eat Drink Play. I'm going out in April. So excited. I'm taking notes but I'm sure my son will have a game plan.
I'm there for nine days and probably still won't see everything. Nice thing about having a son that lives there, I can always go back.
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Post by lindywholoveskids on Jan 29, 2015 6:37:27 GMT
Linda Lou- do you scrapbook? Because there is a great and very big scrapbook store right across the bay in Berkeley - Scrapbook Territory!
They are closed Mindays
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linda~lou
Pearl Clutcher
Keep calm and eat crumpets
Posts: 2,744
Location: Motown but my heart is in San Francisco
Jun 25, 2014 21:57:08 GMT
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Post by linda~lou on Jan 29, 2015 7:07:15 GMT
Linda Lou- do you scrapbook? Because there is a great and very big scrapbook store right across the bay in Berkeley - Scrapbook Territory! They are closed Mindays Oh thanks. Just added that to my ever growing list! |
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refupea #245